Max your Costco card: Membership perks you’re overlooking

If you’ve got a Costco card burning a hole in your wallet, you already know there’s a certain thrill to pushing that oversized cart past sky-high pallets of toilet paper and surprisingly stylish patio sets. But if you’re only popping in for a rotisserie chicken and a case of LaCroix, you’re not even scratching the surface of what your Costco membership can do for you.

Let’s talk about how to truly make the most of your membership—because there’s way more to Costco than bulk peanut butter and $1.50 hot dogs (though, let’s be honest, those hot dogs are iconic for a reason).

1. Understand the Membership Levels

First things first: know what you’re paying for. If you’ve got the basic Gold Star membership ($60 a year), that gets you in the door and gives you access to all the in-store and online deals. But if you’re spending over $3,000 a year at Costco (that’s just $250/month), the $120 Executive Membership might actually pay for itself. You get 2% cash back on most purchases—so if you’re regularly stocking up on groceries, gas, electronics, or booking travel, that rebate can easily cover the upgrade.

Pro Tip: if you try the Executive level and don’t make enough to justify the extra fee, Costco will refund you the difference. They’re super chill like that.

2. Don’t Skip the Kirkland Brand

You might be tempted to stick with name brands but hear me out—Kirkland Signature (Costco’s private label) is the unsung hero of the warehouse. It’s not just cheaper. It’s often made by the same manufacturers as your favorite brands. The vodka? Rumored to be made by Grey Goose. The batteries? Reportedly Duracell. And the organic maple syrup, olive oil, and nuts? All high-quality, often better than what you’d get at a traditional grocery store.

The packaging might be a little more minimalist, but the quality is there—and the savings add up fast.

3. Fill Up on Gas (Literally)

If you’re not using Costco gas stations, you’re missing out. Their gas is consistently cheaper than surrounding stations, sometimes by 20-30 cents per gallon. It’s top-tier fuel too—meaning it meets a higher standard for engine cleanliness and performance.

Yes, there’s sometimes a line, especially on weekends, but if you time it right (weekday mornings are golden), it’s a fast way to shave real money off your monthly budget.

4. Shop Online (and Don’t Sleep on Costco Services)

Most people think of Costco as a place you have to visit in person to get the deals, but their website is full of member-only discounts—especially on big-ticket items like appliances, mattresses, and electronics. Delivery is often included, and they’re generous with warranties and returns.

But Wait, There’s More

But wait, there’s more (cue infomercial voice): Costco Services. This is where your membership really flexes. You can get discounted auto and home insurance, cheaper checks (seriously cheaper than your bank option!!), affordable life insurance, identity protection, hearing aids, vision exams, even a discount on a new car through their Auto Program. It’s like a secret Costco universe that no one talks about enough.

5. Take Advantage of Costco Travel

This one’s a sleeper hit. Costco Travel offers vacation packages, rental cars, cruises, and hotel deals that often beat even the best comparison sites. Plus, Executive Members can earn even more cashback on travel purchases. The best part? Their packages usually include little perks—like resort credits or free breakfast—and there are no hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.

I once priced out a Hawaiian vacation using Costco Travel versus booking everything separately, and the Costco bundle saved me over $800. Just saying.

6. Buy Seasonal and Buy Ahead

Costco is all about the cycle. Their seasonal items hit early—Christmas decor starts creeping in by September, and patio furniture shows up while you’re still in a winter coat. The trick is to buy when you see it, not when you need it. If you wait, it’ll be gone.

Same goes for gifts and wrapping paper. Stock up on multipacks of birthday cards, bulk gift bags, and bows during those seasonal drops—you’ll thank yourself all year long.

7. Watch for Instant Savings (and Monthly Booklets)

Costco doesn’t do coupons in the traditional sense, but they release a monthly booklet with “instant savings”—basically automatic discounts at checkout on select items. These rotate, so if something you like isn’t on sale now, it probably will be soon. You can also view the current booklet on the app or website before heading in, so you can plan accordingly.

8. Split Bulk Items with Friends or Family

One of the biggest critiques of Costco is, “But it’s too much for one person.” Fair, if you’re a single household or just don’t have a deep freezer. But if you’ve got a friend or neighbor also shopping at Costco, consider a share system. Split that 40-pack of granola bars, the three-pound bag of coffee beans, or the mega box of dryer sheets. You both win—and nothing goes stale or to waste.

9. Use the App (It’s Actually Useful)

The Costco app is more than just digital fluff. It gives you access to your digital membership card (no more fumbling in your wallet), the current savings booklet, and online shopping. You can even see warehouse hours, track orders, and check whether your local warehouse has a specific product in stock.

Also: sign up for their email newsletter. It’s one of the few marketing emails that’s actually worth opening—packed with alerts about new items, special promotions, and travel deals.

10. Know the Return Policy (It’s Legendary)

Costco’s return policy is famously generous. Most items can be returned with no questions asked, and electronics now come with a 90-day return window—still generous compared to most retailers. If something breaks or doesn’t live up to your expectations, take it back. No receipt? No problem. They’ll look it up by your membership.

Just don’t abuse it. Costco’s leniency relies on people being reasonable, and they have been known to revoke memberships for serial returners.

The Bottom Line

Costco is so much more than a bulk grocery store. It’s part treasure hunt, part budget hack, and part lifestyle once you know how to work it. The more you lean into its full offerings—gas, travel, services, online shopping, and those amazing Kirkland buys—the more value you get for your annual fee.

So next time you wander into Costco, maybe for “just one thing,” take a second look around. That membership card in your wallet is your ticket to way more than you might think.

And yes, go ahead and get the hot dog. You earned it.

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